07 May,2026 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Authorities said both runways have been restored and are operational following the completion of maintenance activities. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai has completed its annual runway maintenance programme ahead of the monsoon season, with both runways at one of India's busiest airports now fully operational, officials said on Wednesday.
The maintenance exercise at Mumbai airport, operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), was carried out during a scheduled six-hour window between 11 am and 5 pm. During the period, all flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate critical inspection and repair work on the airside infrastructure.
The work included detailed inspections of Runway 09/27, which is 3,448 metres long, and Runway 14/32, measuring 2,871 metres. Authorities said both runways have been restored and are operational following the completion of maintenance activities.
According to airport officials, the operation was planned nearly six months in advance in coordination with stakeholders, airlines, and aviation authorities to minimise disruption and allow carriers to realign flight schedules. Airlines were informed well in advance so they could reschedule or adjust services ahead of the temporary shutdown.
CSMIA handles more than 950 air traffic movements daily, making preventive runway maintenance essential to ensure operational safety and efficiency, particularly during the monsoon season.
Airport officials said the annual exercise forms a key part of Mumbai airport's monsoon preparedness strategy aimed at ensuring safer aircraft movement during heavy rainfall conditions.
The maintenance programme included pavement repair work, inspection of Airfield Ground Lighting systems and substations, rubber removal from runway surfaces, repainting of markings, and extensive drain cleaning to improve water drainage during intense rain spells.
Technical teams also inspected runway intersections, more than 3,000 runway lights and key cable networks linked to lighting, information technology and navigational systems to ensure uninterrupted airport operations. Officials said specialised equipment and advanced monitoring systems were deployed to complete the work within the six-hour maintenance window.
Airport authorities said Mumbai airport's airside infrastructure spans over 1,000 acres, making periodic preventive maintenance necessary to maintain safety standards and operational reliability during the high-intensity monsoon period.
Officials added that the temporary closure was part of long-term operational planning focused on strengthening infrastructure resilience and ensuring smoother airport operations during the monsoon season.
